Category Archives: Culture
T is for the Tavira Vase
Now this may not be what you’re expecting, but I’m well aware that I’ve filled pages with the delights of Tavira, in Portugal’s Eastern Algarve. So I thought I’d dedicate … Continue reading
W is for Warsaw
I gazed in awe at Plac Zamkowy, Castle Square, with its serene Royal Palace, barely believing that this was all reconstruction. I said that I don’t have an emotional connection … Continue reading
R is for Rivers and Rum
Going to the river is a Dominican institution and there are several fabulous rivers throughout the country. Many have stunning natural waterfalls and are ideal for a day out – … Continue reading
G is for Gold
I’ve never been remotely interested in gold jewellery but a friend of mine who came to visit dragged me round every jeweller’s in Coimbra and in doing so, introduced me … Continue reading
My A-Z of The Netherlands: C is for Children
On 14 February 2007, the United Nations considered the Dutch children the happiest in the world. On December of the same year I arrived in the Netherlands. Let me share … Continue reading
C is for Castles in Portugal
I like castles there is no doubt about it. From fairytale chateaux to austere fortifications; ones with drawbridges, dungeons, gatehouses, keeps and moats; built in stone, brick and even sand, … Continue reading
H is for Handkerchiefs of Love; a Romantic Portuguese Tradition
It’s almost Valentine’s Day, which seems the perfect time to mention the wonderful embroidered handkerchiefs of northern Portugal. You can find them, or products inspired by them, in most souvenir shops in … Continue reading
K is for Kabbalah 101
What Kabbalah is not, is Jewish mysticism. In fact, mysticism doesn’t even play a role in Judaism, the Hebrew language or its Literature. The misnomer may be due to the fact that, … Continue reading
My A-Z of the Netherlands: B is for Bikes
When we think about The Netherlands, we think about bikes and cycling paths. It’s one of the country’s trademarks. This interesting video tells us how cycling became so common in The … Continue reading
My A-Z of The Netherlands: A is for Almere
Almere is the youngest city of The Netherlands. Situated in Flevoland, the most recent province of the country, the first house was finished in 1976. Named after the early … Continue reading
F is for Fado
There’s been a lot going on in the world of fado lately. Portugal recently succeeded in getting its traditional music genre listed by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage in November 2011, … Continue reading
B is for Bachata, Brugal and Barahona
Bachata is a Dominican dance, which is danced everywhere; in the streets, shops, clubs, homes. It originated in the DR and is basically three steps with a hip motion and … Continue reading
